Best Mattress Topper (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

We all want to climb into bed and feel comfortable, ready for a night of high-quality sleep. It’s much easier to achieve when your mattress gives you the right level of support and comfort. If your current bed feels like it lacks something, there’s an alternative to buying a new mattress—a mattress topper.

If you want to sleep better, a mattress topper is a great choice. They’re affordable, durable, and help you customize your sleep experience. Transform a too-firm mattress into a cloud-like bed with a feather top, or add targeted support to a spring mattress with a memory foam topper.

Whether you’re looking for the best memory foam mattress topper or the best mattress topper for back pain, we’re here to help with our Editors’ picks and buying guide.

Here are some of our top picks for the best mattress topper in 2023. All prices quoted are for the queen-size versions.

Best Mattress Toppers

Brand	Model	Highlights	Price (Queen)
	Lift® by Amerisleep	Contains HIVE® technology to relieve pressure points and promote a healthy spine	$299
	Zoma Balance Pad	Reactiv™ foam contours closely to the body and bounces back fast, deterring sags	$275
	ViscoSoft Serene Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Topper	Features memory foam and plush down feathers for extra comfort	$169.99
	Avocado Green Natural Latex Topper	Features all-natural, cooling latex	$449
	Duck and Goose Co Plush Durable Premium Hotel Quality Mattress Topper	Offers added comfort for firm mattresses	$64.99
	Plush Beds Natural Latex Topper	Available in 2 and 3-inch thickness options	$429

1. Lift® by Amerisleep

Our favorite mattress topper is the Lift® by Amerisleep because it features plant-based memory foam, HIVE® technology, and is available in soft or firm options. Whether your mattress is too firm or too soft, the Lift® can work for you.

Amerisleep’s Lift is 3 inches tall—it’s thick enough to cushion the shoulders and hips but not so thick that it causes you to sink. The Comfort Lift® is Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur®, a cushioning, pressure-relieving, plant-based memory foam. The Support Lift® is Affinity foam, a firmer yet contouring foam to offer added support. Both the Comfort and Support Lift feature HIVE® technology.

HIVE® is a surface modification technology designed to offer dynamic support. Under the shoulders and hips, HIVE® is softer to allow for deeper compression; meanwhile, HIVE® is firmer under the midsection, head, and feet to prevent sinkage and maintain neutral alignment. HIVE®’s design creates cooling channels within the topper, allowing for enhanced airflow.

In addition to HIVE’s® cooling channels, Amerisleep engineers their foams with an open-cell structure to prevent heat retention and promote more comfortable sleep.

You can buy the Lift® mattress topper on Amerisleep’s website, and it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.

2. Zoma Balance Pad

The Zoma Balance Pad is a welcome addition to any sleep setup where the mattress has lost support or become too soft. If you frequently wake up with numbness, aches, or pain, the Zoma Balance Pad could be just what you’re looking for.

The lightweight mesh cover is made of polyester and spandex, enabling you to enjoy the feel of the pad while protecting the foam inside. The Zoma Balance Pad contains the same foam found in the Zoma Mattress—Reactiv™. This layer is bouncy while still conforming closely to the body, deterring sags and preventing heat build-up. The open-cell design makes it easier for air to flow through the topper where body heat would normally get trapped.

Reactiv™ is CertiPUR-US® certified, ensuring it’s free of PBDEs, formaldehyde, lead, heavy metals, and it’s made with low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Unlike other foam toppers, the Zoma Balance Pad emits little if any off-gassing odor. 

The bottom of the Zoma Balance Pad is fitted with a no-slip fabric to keep it securely on your mattress.

Zoma ships your new mattress pad to your door for free in the lower 48 states, plus it’s backed by a 5-year warranty that covers defects and sags greater than .75 inches.

3. ViscoSoft Serene Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Topper

The ViscoSoft Serene Memory Foam topper is a hybrid, made with memory foam and a down alternative. This gives you a good balance of comfort and support with a plush feel.

This topper is 4 inches thick, thanks to the combination of two layers. The memory foam is high-density, so it lasts longer and boasts a good level of support. The down alternative cover adds a cooling comfort layer between you and the foam topper. It’s fitted with corner straps to help secure the topper in place—this means no worrying it’ll move when you do.

ViscoSoft’s mattress toppers come with a three-year warranty. Shipping is free, and you can take advantage of a 60-day money-back guarantee if you find it’s not the right mattress topper for you.

4. Avocado Green Natural Latex Topper

Avocado Green’s Natural Latex Topper is a mattress pad made with high-quality materials, including organic certified latex, wool, and cotton. It’s a mattress topper which not only helps you sleep more comfortably but is environmentally conscious, too.

The 2.75-inch thick bed topper is available in two different varieties: plush and firm. The plush mattress topper is rated as a soft feel and the firm ranks as a medium-firm. Most people buy mattress toppers to soften their sleeping experience, but the firm option is available if your existing mattress is too soft. You should sleep cool with this mattress topper, thanks to the inclusion of wool. Wool is naturally good at temperature regulation and wicks away heat.

If you live a vegan lifestyle, you may be interested in Avocado’s Vegan Mattress Topper. It’s the same as the non-vegan version, but instead of wool it’s made with organic cotton.

Avocado offers a 10-year limited warranty on their mattress toppers. This means you have full coverage in the first five years, with prorated coverage in the following five. Shipping and returns are both free.

5. Duck and Goose Co Plush Durable Premium Hotel Quality Mattress Topper

This mattress topper from The Duck and Goose Co offers a plush sleeping experience. It’s made with premium-quality microfiber which acts as a close alternative to feathers and down.

At 2 inches thick, the mattress topper features plump cushioning for added comfort. If your current mattress feels too firm, this topper will soften the feel. It has a strong band to secure it to your mattress, which helps keep it in place. Another benefit of this topper is it folds away relatively small, so it’s compact enough to fit in your washer or take on vacation.

This affordable mattress topper is popular on Amazon, where it has over 2,000 reviews. Customers praise it for its comfort, especially those with hip or back pain.

The Duck and Goose Co Plush Durable Premium Hotel Quality Mattress Topper is sold via Amazon, so it’s subject to their usual 30-day returns policy. Shipping is free and there’s a 10-year warranty included.

6. PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper

This Natural Latex Topper from PlushBeds is made with 100% natural Talalay latex for a comfortable yet supportive sleeping experience. The process involved makes the latex softer and great at relieving pressure points.

There’s a wide range of options available with this mattress topper. You can opt for either a 2-inch or 3-inch thickness and choose from multiple firmness options. This means you can customize it fully to match your needs. The medium firmness is the most popular and a great choice for side sleepers or those who experience back pain.

PlushBeds’ mattress toppers aren’t included in their 100-day sleep trial and are non-returnable, but shipping is free. The starting-at price quoted above doesn’t include the organic cotton cover, which can be added for $75 at checkout. We’d recommend adding this cover to enhance the durability of your mattress topper.

What Is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is essentially a thinner version of a mattress which you place on top of your existing bed. Some are placed on top and held in by a fitted sheet while others come with corner straps which attach to your bed.

Toppers are often 2-6 inches thick and are sought after for the added cushioning, softness, and support they can offer. Some mattress toppers are exceptionally soft and are favored by people who want a very plush, duvet-like feel beneath them. Others are firmer and more focused on support, which makes them the best mattress toppers for back pain.

Mattress toppers are available in a range of types and materials, each with their own benefits. You can find toppers which are thin and soft, and others which are thick and offer great relief from pressure.

Mattress Topper Types to Consider

When you’re shopping around for the best mattress topper, you’ll notice there’s a lot of choice in materials. From natural latex and wool to synthetic fibers and memory foam, there’s a variety of options for all preferences.

In this section, we’ll take you through some of the most common types of mattress toppers, along with the properties and benefits of each.

Memory Foam Toppers

Memory foam is a popular material for both mattresses and mattress toppers. It’s a versatile material which combines support, comfort, and responsiveness to touch.

Many people prefer a memory foam mattress topper as it contours well against the body. Memory foam allows you to “sink” into the top layer instead of resting on the top of the mattress. This gives you the benefit of better spine alignment, pressure point relief, and support where you need it.

Memory foam mattress toppers can be made from traditional poly-foam or infused with cooling properties. Some toppers feature cooling gel or copper beads to help with heat control through the night. This helps you stay cool as you sleep. You can also find memory foam which is made from partially plant-based materials. These tend to be more responsive to touch and bounce back quickly.

Pros

• Added contouring and pressure point relief.
• Infused foam can help you sleep cooler.
• Good motion isolation for undisturbed sleep.

Cons

• Traditional memory foam can cause you to sleep hot.
• Reduced movement due to “sinking in.”
• Some versions may not be firm enough for back or stomach sleepers.

Latex Toppers

Latex is another favorite choice for mattress toppers. It has a similar feel to memory foam, but with more “push back”—giving you extra relief against pressure points. This makes it one of the best mattress toppers for back pain sufferers. Latex is also naturally good at temperature control.

The materials used in a latex mattress are naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. It’s resistant to mold, fungi, bed bugs, dust mites, and other nasties which you don’t want close to your skin. For this reason, latex toppers are a great option for people with allergies or who want added protection against germs for their existing mattress.

Latex toppers are typically made using the Talalay process, which involves pouring liquid latex into a mold and then expanding by vacuum. This type of latex is softer than Dunlop, as it’s less dense, which means it’s a good choice for a mattress topper. You can find both 100% natural and blended latex toppers on the market. For the best results, opt for one with a high level of natural latex.

Pros

• Excellent pressure point relief.
• Natural latex is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
• Cushioning yet supportive.

Cons

• More expensive than other types of mattress topper.
• Less effective at isolating motion transfer.
• Not as contouring as memory foam.

Feather Toppers

Goose and duck feathers are commonly used in mattress toppers as they provide a soft, comfortable base to sleep on. This type of topper is also known as a feather bed or “f-bed” for short.

The combination of feather and down in your topper can affect how comfortable it feels. Look for a topper with a high amount of down—this is likely to feel softer beneath you. The softness of feather toppers means they need to be fluffed regularly to maintain the best shape.

Feather toppers are best suited to people who want a very soft sleeping experience. A high-quality feather topper will soften even the firmest of bases. They’re comfortable but don’t have the same contouring effect as latex and memory foam. Feather toppers are a good option for hot sleepers as they don’t hold on to heat in the same way all-foam toppers do.

Pros

• Very soft and comfortable.
• Can be affordable, especially with lower counts of down.
• Lightweight and easy to handle.

Cons

• Easy for sharp feathers to poke through the cover.
• Need regular fluffing to stay in optimum condition.
• Lack support and pressure relief.

Synthetic Toppers

Synthetic toppers are a popular alternative to feather or down toppers. They have a similar feel, without the downsides of using natural feathers.

These toppers are often made with microfiber, fiberfill, or polyester blends. They mimic the qualities of a feather topper, so expect them to feel fluffy beneath you. There’s some degree of support, but they’re unlikely to be the best mattress toppers for back pain. Synthetic and polyester toppers can sleep hot as they allow less heat to dissipate than other materials.

Synthetic and polyester toppers tend to be affordable, so they’re a good choice if you want to see how a mattress topper feels before you invest in a more expensive one.

Pros

• Soft and fluffy feeling.
• Affordable and easy to transport.
• Easy to care for and often machine-washable.

Cons

• Can lose shape quickly and need regular fluffing.
• Poor support and relief for pressure points.
• Less responsive than memory foam and latex.

Mattress Topper Budget

Mattress toppers are more affordable than a new mattress, but they can still set you back a decent sum of money if you opt for a high-quality version. The good news is there are lots of choices at all price points, from budget-friendly to luxury.

At the affordable end of the market, you’ll find mattress toppers available for less than $150. There’s a mix of topper types in this price range, including foam, synthetic, and feather. As with all buys on a budget, you’ll want to read customer reviews to find the best deal for your money.

A budget of $250-$450 should provide you with a luxury-style topper to enhance the feel of your current mattress. Toppers in this range are usually made from natural or high-quality materials, including memory foam and latex. They are more durable than the more affordable toppers and often introduce added benefits, like cooling or pressure relief.

Whatever your budget you’ll find there are plenty of options to choose from. Once you know your budget, look for reviews and comparisons between different mattress toppers to find the right one for you.

Sleeping Position

The way we sleep influences which type of mattress topper suits us best. What works for a side sleeper may be uncomfortable for a back sleeper and vice versa. Here’s what to look out for to find the best mattress topper for your sleeping position.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers benefit from the extra cushioning and contouring from a mattress topper. Without this, your spine can easily feel out of alignment, and you’ll feel pressure on your shoulders and hips.

Look for a thick and plush mattress topper and avoid any which are too thin or firm. Memory foam and latex mattress toppers are good picks for side sleepers as they give you plenty of pressure point relief and adapt to your body.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers often sleep best on a medium-firm to firm surface. For back sleepers, a mattress topper which is too plush can often feel uncomfortable.

Sleeping on your back means your back and neck are in a more natural position. With a soft topper you can “sink in” too much which gives you discomfort. Instead, look for a mattress topper which is thinner and supportive.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers, like back sleepers, benefit from a topper which gives comfort but doesn’t allow you to sink too deeply. A topper which is too soft can quickly cause you to feel sore as there’ll be added pressure on your back.

Sleeping on your stomach can cause unnecessary strain on your neck and back. To help combat this, sleep with a flat pillow and opt for a mattress topper which is firm and supportive.

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

We sleep our best when we’re at a cool temperature, so it’s important to choose a topper which is breathable and doesn’t hold on to too much body heat. Like many high-quality mattresses, mattress toppers are often made from materials designed to help you stay cool at night.

It’s common to find the best memory foam mattress toppers infused with cooling properties like graphite, cooling gel, or copper. These are embedded within the foam as beads, which react when they’re pressed together under your body weight. As memory foam naturally sleeps hot, if this is your material of choice, you’ll want to look for one which is focused on cooling.

Another way to improve airflow in mattress toppers is to use foam with an open-cell structure. Traditional poly-foam has cells which are close together, which prevents air from moving freely through the topper. Foam toppers which feature an advanced open-cell technology allow for better airflow and a cooler night’s sleep.

You can also look for materials which are naturally cooler and have better breathability than others. Latex is great at regulating temperature, so it sleeps cooler than all-foam toppers. Feather toppers are also a good option if you sleep hot.

Mattress Toppers vs. Buying a New Mattress

As you research to find the best mattress topper you may wonder whether to invest in a new mattress instead. The choice is up to you, but there are pros and cons to both.

Mattress toppers are typically much more affordable than a new mattress—especially when you compare like-for-like on quality. There are toppers available for any budget, from $80 up to $400 and beyond. If you’re limited by budget and need to improve the quality of your sleep quickly, a mattress topper is a great choice.

Investing in a mattress topper is also a good way to single out your preferred firmness. If you find your current bed too firm or too soft, you can trial a different feel with an inexpensive topper. This way you know whether to shop for a soft, medium, medium-firm, or firm mattress in the future.

Another reason to buy a mattress topper over a new mattress is for temporary stays. You may be traveling and want to soften your campervan bed, or bring a topper with you on vacation. It’s also a great option if you’re renting a furnished apartment and the bed isn’t quite right for you.

In some cases, it makes sense to purchase a new mattress instead of a topper. One example is if your current mattress needs replacing. You’ll be able to tell you need to replace it when it starts to sag and deteriorate. If you’ve noticed your mattress has become more uncomfortable, it may be time to invest in a new one.

You may also prefer to buy a new mattress if the type you currently have doesn’t suit your needs. While you can soften an innerspring mattress with a foam topper, it’ll still feel slightly bouncy and firm. The same is true for a poly-foam bed which is too soft and sleeps too hot—you’ll want to look for a mattress which suits you better.

Before you invest in a new mattress topper, it’s worth making sure your decision meets your needs. If you’re not sure, think about your budget, the problems with your current mattress, and whether this is a temporary or longer-term solution.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & 7 In-Store Myths

Do Mattress Toppers Really Work?

Some people staunchly believe in the value of mattress toppers while others say they’re not worth buying. With such strong opinions, it’s no surprise many people wonder whether mattress toppers really work.

So do mattress toppers really work? The answer is yes—and no.

Mattress toppers work well in situations where you can’t or don’t want to replace your bed, but you need to change the comfort of it. If you find your current bed too firm or too soft, you’re often faced with the choice between buying a topper or buying a new mattress. Sometimes the new mattress isn’t a priority or affordable, so a topper is a good temporary solution.

Although the difference is more noticeable with a new, right-for-you mattress, adding a topper can create a more comfortable sleeping surface. A soft topper on a firm bed makes it feel more medium-firm, which is ideal for a side sleeper. A firm topper could help a back sleeper enjoy more restful sleep on a bed which was previously too soft.

The right type of mattress topper makes a difference, too. If you find your innerspring mattress too bouncy and hard, a memory foam or latex topper can soften the feel and improve motion transfer.

Toppers can also be useful if you share your bed and have different firmness preferences. With a king-size bed, you could order two twin-size toppers—one soft and one firm. This means a better night’s sleep for all.

In some cases, a mattress topper won’t solve the problem. If your mattress is aged and sagging, it’s time to invest in a new bed—even the best mattress topper won’t be able to improve the quality of your sleep.

Common Questions

How do you find the best mattress topper for back pain?

Finding the right mattress can be instrumental in getting a good night’s sleep if you suffer with back pain. The best mattress topper for back pain will be one which is both comfortable and supportive, with a good level of pressure point relief.

Many people find latex toppers are great for back pain relief. They have a natural “push back” feel which keeps you supported and adds a light pressure against your body. Other people find memory foam is the best mattress topper for back pain, especially one which feels medium-firm to you. This is the recommended firmness rating for people who suffer with upper or lower back or neck pain.

Shopping for the best mattress topper for back pain is similar to the search for any topper. You’ll want to figure out your needs, research what’s available in your budget, and compare mattress topper reviews from customers and experts. From here you can build a shortlist and make a decision on which is the right topper for you.

What should you look for in the best memory foam mattress topper?

Memory foam mattress toppers are one of the most popular options available today. They take the benefits of a memory foam mattress and condense them into a thinner, lighter layer which you can add to your existing bed.

To find the best memory foam mattress topper, first think about your needs and preferences. Consider your sleeping style and whether this means you should go for a soft or firmer topper. If you often wake up hot, look for a memory foam topper infused with copper, graphite, or cooling gel.

There’s a lot of choice when it comes to memory foam toppers. Once you’ve narrowed down your budget, firmness preferences, and other needs, it’ll be easier to find the best memory foam mattress topper for you.

Will a mattress topper help a hard mattress?

Mattress toppers are great at helping a hard mattress feel more comfortable. If you don’t want to invest in a new bed or your old mattress offers the right amount of support, a topper can give you a cloud-like feeling.

You’ll want to look for a thick topper (3-4 inches) categorized as soft or medium-soft for the most dramatic effect. If you only need to bring your mattress to a medium-firm feel, try a topper on the thinner side (around 2 inches).

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to toppers designed to soften your firm mattress. If you don’t need any extra support, a feather or synthetic topper could be a good option. These are exceptionally soft and plush, but lack some of the contouring and pressure relief seen in latex or foam toppers. If you need a combination of comfort and support, a latex topper would be a good pick.

Do mattress toppers need replacing?

The simple answer is yes—your mattress topper will need replacing. Like mattresses, you’ll want to replace your mattress topper at some point in the future. The good news is if you buy a high-quality product, it could last much longer than you think.

The average lifespan of a mattress topper is a few years. With a high-quality product, however, you could be looking at a topper which lasts between 5 and 10 years. How long yours will last depends heavily on the type of topper, the quality of materials and construction, and how much use it gets.

Latex is one of the most durable mattress materials, so toppers made from latex can last slightly longer than those made from foam, feathers, or polyester. Some people report their synthetic toppers don’t last very long, as they’re prone to lose shape and end up with an unevenly distributed filling. The same is true for feather toppers, which need to be regularly fluffed to stay comfortable.

What thickness mattress topper should I get?

Thicker toppers can provide more change, so if you want to really soften or firm up your mattress you might want to choose one that’s at least 3 inches thick. A 1 or 2-inch topper is a good choice if you want to add just a touch of extra softness or a slightly firmer feeling. If you’re unsure what to pick, try a 3-inch topper; this thickness suits most sleepers.

Conclusion

It can take some time to find the best mattress topper for you. Since there’s so much choice out there, it helps to think about your needs, preferences, and budget so you can find the right options.

Once you’re clear on what to look for, finding the right product becomes a lot easier. You can filter out mattress toppers which are too firm, too soft, or lack the support you need. You’re more aware of what to look for when reading product descriptions and customer reviews. Then you can build a shortlist of picks to research in more detail.

If you’re looking for the best mattress topper for back pain, zero in on the benefits of each type of material and how your mattress should feel for the best relief. For the best memory foam mattress topper, consider which properties are most important to you—do you need enhanced cooling or a very soft feel? This will help you find the best mattress topper for your needs.